Nashville Fall Event Guide
Why Fall in Nashville is Special
The weather gets cooler and more comfortable — great for walking, outdoor concerts, exploring.
Foliage starts to pop — parks, gardens, riversides look especially beautiful.
Many seasonal festivals, harvest events, and outdoor family-friendly things to do.
Key Events & Festivals in Fall 2025
Cheekwood’s pumpkin village and gardens light up after dark with glowing pumpkin displays, live music, and seasonal food + drinks. Each week has different themed activities like pumpkin painting, fire pits, and craft cocktails. It’s one of the most enchanting fall evening experiences in Nashville, perfect for date night or family outings.
Held on a 70-acre farm just outside the city, this festival includes a giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, sunflower fields, and hayrides. Food trucks, live music, and kid-friendly activities make it an all-ages destination. It’s one of the best ways to get that “classic fall farm” vibe without leaving Nashville.
Hosted at First Horizon Park, this one-day event features over 150 craft beers from local and national breweries. Expect food trucks, lawn games, and live music throughout the stadium concourse. Beer lovers get to sip while enjoying skyline views of downtown Nashville.
A five-day celebration of Black storytelling in film, featuring screenings of independent projects, documentaries, and short films. The festival also includes workshops, panels, and networking events for creatives. It’s a great chance to see emerging voices and powerful cultural perspectives in cinema.
Oct 2-5
Nashville’s Germantown transforms into a Bavarian street party with German beer halls, polka bands, and plenty of bratwursts and pretzels. The weekend features a Dachshund Derby, a 5K Bier Run, and family-friendly carnival rides. It’s one of the city’s biggest fall traditions, drawing crowds from across Tennessee.
Centennial Park becomes a global village with over 60 cultures represented through food, music, dance, and artisan vendors. Stages feature nonstop performances from international musicians and dancers. It’s a free, family-friendly event that highlights Nashville’s diversity.
Oct 4
Sevier Park in 12South hosts this relaxed neighborhood festival blending live music, craft beer, and local vendors. Food trucks and artisan makers line the park while regional bands keep the energy high. It’s an intimate, laid-back alternative to the bigger Oktoberfest crowds.
Cheekwood celebrates the traditional Japanese festival of honoring the autumn moon. Guests enjoy tea ceremonies, Japanese music, art demonstrations, and food under lantern-lit gardens. It’s a serene and cultural way to experience fall evenings in Nashville.
Centennial Park’s Great Lawn fills with over 200 juried artisans showcasing pottery, jewelry, woodworking, textiles, and more. Live craft demonstrations let you watch artists at work, and kids can take part in hands-on art activities. It’s a free, outdoor event perfect for holiday shopping or discovering one-of-a-kind pieces.
This indoor/outdoor community event is Halloween-themed with family activities like pumpkin decorating, costumes, photo booths, and live music. Local vendors and snack stations create a festive shopping experience. It’s especially popular with families looking for safe, kid-friendly fun.
Oct 25
Downtown Franklin (just south of Nashville) hosts Middle Tennessee’s largest fall street festival. Expect over 150 artisan booths, pumpkin-themed food, costume contests for kids and pets, and live entertainment. The historic Main Street setting adds extra charm to this autumn tradition.
Part of the Harvest Nights series, this special Halloween event combines garden pathways glowing with pumpkins, a lively dance floor, and themed cocktails. Costumes are encouraged, and live DJs keep the party going. It’s the perfect mix of spooky and elegant for adults.
This seasonal market event features fresh produce, artisan vendors, cooking demos, and fall flavors. Live music and kids’ activities make it more than just shopping—it’s a festive day for the community. Many local chefs also showcase fall recipes with Tennessee ingredients.
Country music’s biggest night returns to Bridgestone Arena. Expect red-carpet arrivals, superstar performances, and major award moments. While tickets are hard to come by, downtown Nashville buzzes with watch parties and events leading up to the show.
The Grand Ole Opry celebrates its centennial with a special show at the Opry House. Expect legacy country stars, surprise guest appearances, and historical tributes. The venue will be decorated, and the atmosphere is both celebratory and deeply nostalgic for fans of country music.
This seasonal holiday lights festival takes place just outside Davidson County. Think acres of dazzling light displays, giant animated setups, food vendors, and festive activities for families and couples alike. It’s a great way to ease into the holiday spirit, especially as the weather gets cooler.
Outdoor & Scenic Highlights
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens — walk the gardens, see the fall decorations.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park — good for a relaxed stroll, history, skyline views.
Hiking / Bike Trails — see the leaves change: Radnor Lake, Harpeth River, etc.
Sunset / Night-time events — many festivals have evening offerings, like Harvest Nights.
